Freshmen Open Collegiate Careers, 2012 Season with Javelin Wins

MYRTLE BEACH -
Coastal Carolina track and field freshmen Danielle England and Michael Deitzler made the most of their collegiate debuts as both claimed the javelin titles at the Coastal Carolina University Invitational at Dough Shaw Stadium on Friday.

Friday marked the season opener for the Coastal Carolina as 10 Chanticleer throwers made their season debuts at the annual event.

England won the javelin title with a personal record toss of 43.27m (141-11) on her fourth attempt, finishing six-tenths of a meter better than her closest competitor. Fellow Chant Otessa Velasquez placed 10th in the 46 competitor field. Velasquez finished with a final distance of 35.28m (115-09).

Deitzler turned in his personal-record setting throw of 60.22m (197-07) in his final attempt of the day. The freshman's toss was a full 3.5 meters better than that of the second-place finisher. Also competing in the season-opener was sophomore Tyler Slapikas who finished 12th overall with a final distance of 46.46m (152-05).

Shantelle Patterson led a contingent of four Chants that opened their season in the women's hammer throw as she placed second overall. Patterson turned in her best throw of 53.37m (175-01) on her opening attempt. Brittany Connor followed Patterson with a third place effort of 51.73m (169-09). Anjulia Nicholson finished eighth with a toss of 47.04m (154-04). Naomi Atkins wrapped up the group's efforts with throw of 42.81m (140-05) to place 13th.

In the men's hammer, Ryan Minor made his debut in the teal and black of Coastal Carolina with a throw of 52.08m (170-10) to place sixth. Cameron Griggs finished 10th in the event with a distance of 46.96m (154-01).

The second day of the Coastal Carolina Invitational kicks off at 10 a.m. on Saturday with the men's discus and women's high jump.